Courses

MS 101 Cr.2

Introduction to the Army Profession

This course introduces students to the personal challenges and competencies that are critical for effective leadership. Students learn how the personal development of life skills such as time management, physical fitness, and stress management relate to leadership, Officership, and Army operations. Focus is placed on developing basic knowledge and comprehension of Army Leadership Dimensions while gaining a big picture understanding of the ROTC program, its purpose in the Army and its advantages for the student. Offered Fall.

MS 102 Cr.2

Basic Leadership

This course provides an overview of leadership fundamentals such as setting direction, problem solving, listening, presenting briefs, providing feedback, and using effective writing skills. Students explore dimensions of leadership values, attributes, and competencies in the context of practical, hands-on, and interactive exercises. Continued emphasis is placed on recruitment and retention of students. Cadre role models and the building of stronger relationships among students through common experience and practical interaction are critical aspects of the MS 102 experience. Prerequisite: MS 101. Offered Spring.

MS 201 Cr.2

Individual Leadership Studies

This course explores the dimensions of creative and innovative tactical leadership strategies and styles by examining team dynamics and two historical leadership theories that form the basis of the Army leadership framework (trait and behavior theories). Students practice aspects of personal motivation and team building in the context of planning, executing, and assessing team exercises and participating in leadership labs. Focus is on continued development of the knowledge of leadership attributes and core leader competencies through an understanding of Army rank, structure, duties and basic aspects of land navigation and squad tactics. Case studies provide tangible context for learning the Soldier's Creed and Warrior Ethos as they apply to the contemporary operating environment. Prerequisite: MS 102. Offered Fall.

MS 202 Cr.2

Leadership and Teamwork

This course examines the challenges of leading tactical teams in the complex contemporary operating environment (COE). The course highlights dimensions of terrain analysis, patrolling, and operation orders. Further study of the theoretical basis of the Army leadership framework explores the dynamics of adaptive leadership in the context of military operations. Students develop greater self-awareness as they assess their own leadership styles and practice communication and team building skills. COE case studies give insight into the importance and practice of teamwork and tactics in real-world scenarios. Prerequisite: MS 201. Offered Spring.

MS 301 Cr.3

Leadership & Problem Solving

This course challenges students to study, practice, and evaluate adaptive leadership skills as they are presented with scenarios related to squad tactical operations. Students receive systematic and specific feedback on their leadership attributes and actions. Based on such feedback, as well as their own self-evaluations, students continue to develop their leadership and critical thinking abilities. The focus is developing students' tactical leadership abilities to enable them to succeed at ROTC's summer Leadership Development and Assessment Course (LDAC). Prerequisite: MS 202. Offered Fall.

MS 302 Cr.3

Leadership and Ethical Decision Making

This course uses increasingly intense situational leadership challenges to build student awareness and skills in leading tactical operations up to platoon level. Students review aspects of combat, stability, and support operations. They also conduct military briefings and develop proficiency in garrison operation orders. The focus is on exploring, evaluating, and developing skills in decision-making, persuading, and motivating team members in the contemporary operating environment (COE). Students are evaluated on what they know and do as leaders as they prepare to attend the ROTC summer Leadership Development and Assessment Course (LDAC). Prerequisite: MS 301. Offered Spring.

MS 401 Cr.3

Leadership and Management

This course transitions the focus of student learning from being trained, mentored and evaluated to learning how to train, mentor and evaluate underclass students. Students learn the duties and responsibilities of an Army staff officer. Students will also learn about the special trust, proposed by the U.S. Constitution to Army officers; a trust above and beyond other professions. Further, students will learn Army values and ethics and how to apply them to everyday life as well as in the Contemporary Operating Environment. Finally, students will learn about the officer’s role in the Uniform Code of Military Justice, counseling subordinates, administrative actions and methods on how to best manage their career as Army officers. Prerequisite: MS 302. Offered Fall.

MS 402 Cr.3

American Military History

A historical review and analysis of the development of military strategy and weapons; a detailed study of the history of the United States military; an analysis of contemporary, post-World War II issues; and a study of selected battles. Offered Annually.

MS 403 Cr.3

Officership

This course explores the dynamics of leading in the complex situations of current military operations in the Contemporary Operating Environment. Students examine differences in customs and courtesies, military law, principles of war, and Rules of Engagement in the face of international terrorism. They also explore aspects of interacting with non-government organizations, civilians on the battlefield, and host nation support. The course places significant emphasis on preparing students for their first unit of assignment. It uses case studies, scenarios, and "What Now, Lieutenant?" exercises to prepare students to face the complex, ethical, and practical demands of leading as commissioned officers in the United States Army. Prerequisite: MS 401. Offered Spring.